Gibson introduces the redesigned RD Artist Model

8/15/2014

As part of the legendary guitar brand's 120th Anniversary, Gibson has introduced a redesigned RD artists model heavily influenced by the classic Firebird model. Currently only available in Alpine White, the new RD Artist includes a number of upgrades; the most prominent being the inclusion of two active humbucking pickups.

(PRESS RELEASE): To tie in with its 120th Anniversary celebrations, Gibson USA introduces a powerful new rendition of the innovative RD that first hit the scene in the ’70s.

Blending a stylized take on Gibson’s legendary reverse-body Firebird models with the elegance of Custom appointments and cutting-edge contemporary performance and playability, the RD Artist hits the ground running as one of the most versatile and powerful models in the Gibson stable. Groundbreaking new active pickups, top-notch playability, and Custom-style appointments are all wrapped in an elegant Alpine White finish in nitrocellulose lacquer to make the RD Artist a great option for any style of music.

The RD Artist begins with a foundation of time-tested tonewoods, including a solid mahogany body and neck, and a one-piece, Grade-A rosewood fingerboard with pearloid block inlays, plus “120th Anniversary” 12th fret inlay. The Custom theme continues with a multi-ply bound headstock with pearloid Gibson logo and “flying f-hole” inlay plus gold plated hardware, including pickup covers, locking Grover™ tuners, Tune-o-matic bridge, and TP6 stopbar with fine-tuning. The key to the RD Artist’s performance, though, lies in its innovative new GEM Gibson Active humbucking pickups, made with traditional Alnico II magnets and 42 AWG wire, but in an active design that offers unprecedented power, fidelity and sustain. They are routed through independent volume controls, a master tone, and three-way selector toggle.